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Publications

Publications by João Pedro Mendes

2024

Development of a New Opto-Electrochemical Cell for Sensing Applications

Authors
Mendes, P; Coelho, CC; Ribeiro, A;

Publication
2024 IEEE Sensors Applications Symposium, SAS 2024 - Proceedings

Abstract
New systems with innovative design to perform measurements combining electrochemistry and surface plasmon resonance (ESPR) are currently a need to overcome the limitations of existent market solutions and expand the research possibilities of this technology. The main goal of this work was to develop a new cell to increase ESPR practical applications in several fields. To do so, a homemade SPR cell, fabricated by 3D-printing technology, was adapted for this purpose by incorporating the conventional 3-electrodes to perform the electrochemical experiments. The developed cell was fully compatible with commercial SPR substrates. After optimization of the homemade ESPR setup to perform the combined electrochemical and SPR measurements, two main applications were explored in this work. The first was the use of ESPR technology as straightforward tool to simultaneously investigate the electrical and optical properties of conducing/non-conducting polymers electrosynthetized on the SPR platforms. The conducting polymer poly(thionine) was used in this work for proof-of-concept. The second application envisaged the use of ESPR approach for simple electrodeposition ofmaterials with enhanced plasmonic properties for sensitivity enhancement of SPR biosensors. For validation of the concept, graphene oxide (GO) was electrochemically reduced on gold substrates aiming to evaluate the plasmonic properties of graphene-modified sensing surfaces. © 2024 IEEE.

2024

Ratiometric System based on an Ionic Liquid-Modified Colorimetric Dye for Enhanced Carbon Dioxide Sensing

Authors
Lopes, X; Coelho, CC; Jorge, AS; Mendes, P;

Publication
2024 IEEE Sensors Applications Symposium, SAS 2024 - Proceedings

Abstract
Carbon dioxide (CO2) holds paramount significance in nature, serving as a vital component in Earth's ecosystems. Its evaluation has become increasingly important across various sectors, spanning from environmental conservation to industrial operations. Therefore, this study investigates the viability of utilizing a pH colorimetric dye as a C02-sensitive material. The material's effectiveness relies on chemical modifications induced in the dye structure through the action of a phase transfer agent, which establishes a stable equilibrium with the dye, thereby promoting its receptivity to C02 molecules. As the resulting physicochemical changes primarily exhibit colorimetric alterations, an optical system was developed to assess the performance of this material upon exposure to C02. Employing a dual-wavelength method, the system also incorporates a ratio metric relationship between the two signals to provide the most precise information. The conducted experiments generated promising results when the dye was subjected to varying concentrations of C02, ranging from 0% to 4 %, in comparison to nitrogen (N2). The application of the ratiometric method emerged as a crucial factor in this system, enabling its potential use in environments characterized by instability. Finally, the dye-sensitive characteristics experienced enhancement through the integration of an ionic liquid within the membrane matrix. © 2024 IEEE.

2024

Exciting Surface Plasmon Resonances on Gold Thin Film-Coated Optical Fibers Through Nanoparticle Light Scattering

Authors
Mendes, JP; dos Santos, PSS; Dias, B; Núñez-Sánchez, S; Pastoriza-Santos, I; Pérez-Juste, J; Pereira, CM; Jorge, PAS; de Almeida, JMMM; Coelho, LCC;

Publication
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS

Abstract
Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) conventionally occurs at the interface of a thin metallic film and an external dielectric medium in fiber optics through core-guided light. However, this work introduces theoretical and experimental evidence suggesting that the SPR in optical fibers can also be induced through light scattering from Au nanoparticles (NPs) on the thin metallic film, defined as nanoparticle-induced SPR (NPI-SPR). This method adheres to phase-matching conditions between SPR dispersion curves and the wave vectors of scattered light from Au NPs. Experimentally, these conditions are met on an etched optical fiber, enabling direct interaction between light and immobilized Au NPs. Compared to SPR, NPI-SPR exhibits stronger field intensity in the external region and wavelength tuning capabilities (750 to 1250 nm) by varying Au NP diameters (20 to 90 nm). NPI-SPR demonstrates refractive index sensitivities of 4000 to 4416 nm per refractive index unit, nearly double those of typical SPR using the same optical fiber configuration sans Au NPs. Additionally, NPI-SPR fiber configuration has demonstrated its applicability for developing biosensors, achieving a remarkable limit of detection of 0.004 nm for thrombin protein evaluation, a twenty-fold enhancement compared to typical SPR. These findings underscore the intrinsic advantages of NPI-SPR for sensing. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) typically occurs at the interface of a thin metallic film and a dielectric medium in fiber optics. This work presents evidence of nanoparticle-induced SPR (NPI-SPR) in optical fibers through light scattering from Au nanoparticles on the thin metallic film. NPI-SPR offers stronger field intensity, wavelength tuning, and enhanced refractive index sensitivities, making it advantageous for biosensing applications. image

2023

Scalable and Cost-Effective All-Chemical Production of Stable Gold-Coated Silver Thin-Films for High-Performance Plasmonic Optical Fiber Sensors

Authors
dos Santos, SS; Mendes, P; Pastoriza Santos, I; de Almeida, MMM; Coelho, CC;

Publication
Proceedings - 28th International Conference on Optical Fiber Sensors, OFS 2023

Abstract
Long-term stability and high scalability are significant issues in plasmonic optical fiber sensors. This work presents a highly scalable and low-cost all-chemical approach for production of gold-coated silver thin-films, ensuring high performance and chemical stability. © Optica Publishing Group 2023, © 2023 The Authors.

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